Old Fashioned Walnut Bread
Old Fashioned Walnut Bread offers a hearty, nutty flavor with a moist, tender crumb. The crunchy walnuts add texture and richness, making it perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Its classic taste appeals to bread lovers who enjoy a wholesome, homemade treat with a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Re-sift flour with sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add egg, shortening, milk, and vanilla to dry mixture.
- Stir just until all of the flour is moistened.
- Stir in chopped walnuts.
- Turn the batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan or divide between two greased No. 2 1/2 cans.
- Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour and 20 minutes for rectangular loaf or for 1 hour and 10 minutes for round loaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use room temperature ingredients to help the batter combine smoothly. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Chopped pecans can also be used in place of walnuts for a different flavor. Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
This walnut bread makes a delightful breakfast or snack on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a warm bowl of oatmeal for a satisfying morning meal. For dessert, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of Light Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover walnut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Walnut Bread contains roughly 837 calories, with 14g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1369mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsalted butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter for shortening in this recipe. It will add a richer flavor to the bread. Just make sure to use the same amount, which is 1/4 cup.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your walnut bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, be gentle when mixing the batter to keep it light.
Is it possible to add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize your walnut bread by adding ingredients like dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Just be mindful not to add too many extras, as this can affect the texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).